gdallas
regular
Reged: 27/04/2002
Posts: 90
Loc: Hertfordshire
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Does anyone have recommendations or horror stories re handheld radios? I need to buy one, and it will be (for this season) the ship's sole radio so I want a decent one. Ideally one that can take ordinary dry cells as well as a rechargeable battery, as my on board electrics are a bit incomplete and I may not be able to rely on having a 12v socket to charge from.
Thanks
Graham
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john_morris_uk
regular
Reged: 03/07/2002
Posts: 3494
Loc: Plymouth UK
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We have an Icom and we can't fault it. It takes dry cells as well as its rechargeable battery and seems to hold its charge for ages (despite the radio being several years old now). We keep the dry cell cassette in the grab bag/flare box.
Lots of handhelds around nowadays at reasonable prices, but Icom is a big name and all I can say is that we have been very happy with ours. Its waterprrof and easy to use, and ours was the model that had a rotary volume control on the top which I like.
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“When you discover that you are riding a dead horse,
the best strategy is to dismount.”
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Artemis_C2121
regular
Reged: 13/12/2006
Posts: 214
Loc: Fambridge
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recently purchased the raymarine 101 takes both chargeable and dry cell very pleased with it.
Particularly like the rotary squealch and volumn controls
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Read an artical the other day that said drinking will kill you. Really scared the crap out of me so i have given up reading
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Ceejay
regular
Reged: 28/07/2002
Posts: 57
Loc: Island of Lismore
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My Raymarine 101 is almost new and never been used in anger. The Ni-MH/Alkaline switch inside the battery compartment has fallen apart and there are signs of corrosion around it. The problem came to light when the VHF wouldn't accept a charge. This was the first charge after the initial charge when it was first received from the retailer. The radio has hardly been switched on let alone used and has never been damp or wet, although this should not be an issue as it is marked on the cover as being waterproof. Overall, I'm not impressed and hope that there will not be a problem having the battery pack replaced under guarantee. I have no confidence that the problem would not happen again as the switch in question does not look very robust and is probably vulnerable to ingress of damp.
CJ
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oilyrag
regular
Reged: 03/07/2002
Posts: 287
Loc: E Coast UK
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Standard Horizon HX270 (Yaesu) - I've had one for several years, comes with 240v and 12v chargers, spare alkaline battery holder and NiMh battery. Lives in my ditty bag being thrown around all over the place and not a mark on it, and it still works! Around £90 online
Other contender is the Entel HT640 which, unless I'm mistaken is also made by Yaesu, for £150.
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jokaboat
regular
Reged: 21/09/2007
Posts: 471
Loc: Solent
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Second that Standard Horizon
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RestlessL
regular
Reged: 06/04/2007
Posts: 280
Loc: Solent
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I have both an Entel and an ICOM M31. I would recommend the Entel, but not the ICOM.
The ICOM suffers from battery drain when switched off (an I keep it in the Grab Bag, so this is a problem for me).
The Entel on the other hand does all I want it to do, but will not take AA cells.
Before you buy, decide if you want rotary controls or push-buttons. Personally I find rotary volume and squelch far easier to use.
Also consider your charging options as this will be your main set - for the Entel I have a 12V charger on board (came with the set) along with a spare battery, and a mains charger at home. However, the cost of these adds to the price, and may need.
For increased range, I have a lead to connect the Entel to the mast-head aerial.
John
Edited by RestlessL (14/05/2008 08:47)
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Skysail
regular
Reged: 21/01/2002
Posts: 1140
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My 10 year old Standard Horizon HX255 works like new, and still holds its charge. If their later version is as good its excellent.
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Spyro
regular
Reged: 18/01/2003
Posts: 1258
Loc: North Ayrshire
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second the standard horizon HX270E got mine HERE £85 inc P&P
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Smth448
regular
Reged: 16/01/2007
Posts: 151
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My Raymarine hand held has been no trouble at all. Been used on a Dragon most of last year and been bounced about in the bottom of a rubber dinghy, so it has definitley got wet. I have probably angered Dr Sodde and it will now pack up.
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